FELINE WELLNESS & VACCINATIONS

We recommend yearly wellness exams for the same reason your physician and dentist recommend them.  If a problem can be detected in the early stages there is a better chance for it to be treated and resolved more effectively, successfully and less expensively.  Add to this the cats ability to mask the fact that they are not feeling well.  It is often difficult to determine illness in a cat purely by observation often until it is too late for effective treatment.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are a very important part of any health care plan for our pets.  They provide your dog with protection against many serious diseases; some that can be fatal and some that can be transmitted to humans.

The following is the list of vaccinations that we will recommend for your dog based on his or her age, breed and lifestyle:

RABIES:  Rabies is a highly fatal virus that causes neurological disease in affected animals. Dogs, cats, bats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes and many other animals can get this disease.  Humans can also become infected and die from it. Rabies is required by law in Ontario.  Follow this link for more information on RABIES.  

FVRCP: A 'core vaccine' for all cats - protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (distemper). Rhinotracheitis and calicivirus information can be found here: Feline upper respiratory diseases. Rhinotracheitis  and calicivirus are two viruses that attach the nose and eyes of kittens and cats, resulting in sneezing, fever, and clear nasal discharge. Left untreated, these viruses can lead to pneumonia, heart disease, eye ulcers, and chronic respiratory problems. Feline Panleukopenia information can be found here: Feline Panleukopenia. After the initial kitten series, it's good for 1 year. The next time it's given, it's good for 3 years. For cats who did not get kitten series: Initial vaccine is given, then a second vaccine 3-4 weeks later.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Information regarding feline leukemia can be found here: Feline Leukemia Virus. Optional, but highly recommended for all cats who go outside. Initial vaccine is given, then a second vaccine 4 weeks later. After that, annually.

FIV/FeLV Test: The minimum age requirement is 6 weeks. A simple blood test that checks for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia. FIV is similar to HIV/AIDS in humans. It is not contagious to humans, but both FIV and FeLV are spread from cat to cat. Highly recommended yearly for all cats who go outside as well as new cats of unknown history coming into the household.